Town of Poughkeepsie Democrats Meeting
The election of Donald Trump in November sent shock waves throughout the world. Since then, thousands have come together to protest the administration and make their voices heard on both the national and local levels.
The Hudson Valley has provided a platform for protests. The Women’s March on Washington saw record breaking attendance numbers and inspired a sister march right here on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Similarly, the “No Ban No Wall” event on the Feb. 4 brought hundreds to the Dutchess County Court House.
The Town of Poughkeepsie Democrats Committee has voiced their dedication to discussing town issues and electing or supporting local candidates. According to their Facebook page, the committee states that their mission is “to ensure Poughkeepsie citizens interests are the top priority of our government,” and their “efforts are focused on selecting and electing honest citizens who are committed to making our community a better place to live.”
The committee met on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Boardman Road Branch Library. The meeting was led by Dutchess County Democratic Committee Chairwoman, Elisa Sumner, Town Board Member for the Town of Poughkeepsie Ward Six, Ann Shershin, and General Member, Darrelyn Brennan. Brennan said the purpose of this meeting was to “help us come together and share our motivations for participating or marching and to understand what we all have at risk.”
“I truly believe that the single biggest thing we can do is to get involved to change government on the local level, which filters up through the county, state and national elections,” she said.
The chairs were strategically arranged in a semi-circle to make sure everyone was engaged in discussion. Each individual in the room shared their deep, personal stories about how this election has affected their lives thus far. The ages throughout the room varied from middle schoolers to senior citizens. Every individual expressed concern for their future, and the future of their children and grandchildren.
Gary, whose last name will remain anonymous, was among the participants in the meeting. She was one of the many Dutchess county residents who attended the “No Ban No Wall” event, but she never attended a meeting with the committee before and did not know what to expect. Gary, like many others, was very passionate while she discussed the things that bothered her from the start of the election until now. “I am 71 years old, and I have never seen anything like this before in my life,” she said. Gary hopes to go to the Defend Planned Parenthood event this Saturday.
As each individual spoke, sadness and anger could be heard in their voices. Their faces were deep in thought while they listened to others speak. Many people spoke about how they have never been so involved in politics or protests until now. These people came together with a purpose: to stand up and take action for what they believe in.
The committee is struggling to get people involved. Sumner stressed the importance of how people can make such a difference in the community by joining the committee. After listening to the different backgrounds of the individuals who attended, multiple attendees chose to become members. Gary was one of them.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6:45 p.m. at the Boardman Road Library. To get more information about the Town of Poughkeepsie Democrats visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TownofPoughkeepsieDemocraticCommittee/
